Dear friends, join me on a faith journey that will challenge us to our core and bring us face-to-face with the reality of how fragile life is. We will encounter a crisis that tests our faith and gives us two choices: rely solely on our strength or trust in God’s strength. 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV)

Our journey begins as I enter the hospital’s emergency room doors due to a medical crisis. Please wait for a gruelling 23 hours with my husband, daughter, and me! Witness the sad plight of our homeless, seeking refuge from the ice storm outside. Join me as I count my blessings, for a home and a loving family who never left my side.

Listen, friends, as my name echoed through the room, and feel the adrenaline rush as a nurse led us through the next doors. Check how quickly my pulse raced as the attending doctor assessed my condition and immediately sent for the surgeon. Witness the whirlwind of activity as medical staff responded to the surgeon’s orders and rushed to care for me. Laugh with me as I inwardly wondered where that staff was hiding during the last 23 hours? Sit with my family and me as the surgeon described the potential worst-case scenarios of this type of abdominal surgery. Relish the peace that washed over me, erasing any fear that tried to take hold. Be ready to catch my poor hubby, who looked like he might faint after hearing how serious the surgery would be. Now close your eyes as I leave all modesty aside and lay on the OR table like a Thanksgiving turkey about to be carved! Sorry, but I couldn’t resist the imagery. As the anesthetist asked me to count backwards, I could hear myself whisper, “I trust in You Father.” 

My beloved friends, when confronted with the prospect of my own mortality, I believed I would be with my God either in this world or in heaven when I awoke. 

Well, obviously, I didn’t wake up in the hereafter. Instead, I found myself in intensive care, complete with a breathing tube, a feeding tube, and other tubes I choose not to mention. One week in the hospital and two months of daily homecare nursing allowed me time for deep soul-searching.

Dear friends, Scripture warns us that God will test our faith, like many heroes of the Bible. Satan may try to convince us that it is a punishment, but it’s not! Quite the contrary. It is the ultimate test of faith bestowed upon us by a loving God! Experience the ultimate fulfillment of loving God with all your heart and soul, which is His heart’s desire. Unleash your full potential as you embrace grace and draw nearer to Him. Faith is trusting God’s purpose without knowing “why”. A strong and mature faith brings God glory!

Friends, life is unpredictable, so remember, the next faith journey could be yours! As Oswald Chambers wrote, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” 

Prayer: O God, our Strength, we praise You because You are faithful and trustworthy. We praise You for Your unwavering love that sustains us in times of trouble. May we rely on You as our source of strength whenever we falter in our faith or allow things to weaken our dependence on You? Give us the power to resist Satan’s lies and rely solely on Your Word. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Lois Macdonald